RETAINING WALL ON A SLOPE - costs and options (2014, how much)

[Milasuccaci]

Hi all

I have a sloping yard


i want to explore options and various costs ...



please advise..

how much does each option cost ?

i read about using unopened concrete mix bags too.. but then i read about not using them ! i am lost like a kid in candy store..

please help

thanks
mila

[atxcio]

There are tons of local landscapers who are knowledgeable about how to do this, it is very common. Call a few of them and get some quotes. It's usually not too expensive -- I'd guess starting at about $1K and going up depending on how elaborate you want your final product to be. It's better than doing it yourself unless you really know how retaining walls should work. I would not suggest concrete bags. A good retaining wall will have different materials underneath for drainage, weep holes, etc. Retaining walls alter the drainage of your lot, so you need someone who knows how to put one in without creating another problem somewhere else.

Also be sure not to bury the base of your trees. They must be open to keep dry to prevent fungus and disease.

[10scoachrick]

A yard that slopes away from the house can be a giant blessing. How MUCH slope is another issue.

I'll also vote against the concrete riprap. I've seen it done to divert a very slow moving stream; but I don't think it fits in a typical back yard. The exception might be a riprap base to be finished with timbers or blocks eventually.

Very much agree with protecting the base of the tree!